Well, dear readers, we had our callbacks and we’re almost cast for Dial ‘M’ for Murder – we’re either missing one or two cast members, but most likely only one and I’m now going to put the word out to all my actor pals to come audition on Tuesday – it’s the lead role of Tony (Ray Milland in the film) and he’s the wheel of the play so it has to be someone really good. But I found a great Margot, and our very own Doug Haverty will be Inspector Hubbard, and we have a really interesting Captain Lesgate. We probably have our Max, too, but I’m waiting for confirmation. And I met with the set and lighting designer (same guy) and before I could even tell him what I wanted he told me what he wanted to do and it was exactly what I was going to tell him I wanted to do – and that’s the way to start a relationship. I think he’ll do a splendid job. When a dear reader posted those photographs from some current production of Dial ‘M’ I thought, what an absolutely stunning set that is like no 1954 London flat I’ve ever seen. In any case, I’m hoping we can now find our leading man.
Prior to the callbacks, I’d slept a bit less than eight hours, probably closer to seven, got up, answered e-mails, printed out a few orders, had a couple of telephonic conversations, and then I went and had a chili, cheese, and onion hot dog and a few fries for my meal o’ the day. After that, I came right home. Now, here’s the odd part – from the time I got home until the time I left at four-thirty, it was about three hours. I have no idea exactly what I did in those three hours. Fascinating. I’m sure I did something. I do know the power snapped out for about four seconds, which, of course, shut down the computer, which I hate. I remember I also had some cherry chip ice cream, too. And I know I most likely did some work on the computer. Oh, and I read through the commentary and made some futzes and fixes to it, so it’s locked and ready to go.
After callbacks, I came right home and began watching the final four episodes of Feud. I got through two of them. Oh how I do not like the writing – it’s just so clichéd and typical of the show’s creator. I mean, it seems like he’s spending as much time on Robert Aldrich’s bad marriage as he is on Joan and Bette. And why did this thing need to be eight hours long? And then there’s the music. Obviously the show’s creator loves to temp track his show with music he loves or thinks is hip – and it’s actually fairly easy to figure out what he made the composer rip off – the end credits are clearly modeled on Henry Mancini’s Charade – in fact, in one of the early episodes the creator actually used Charade rather than have his composer’s version. It’s actually a shoddy way to treat a composer by robbing him of any personal contribution, but that is the way of film music today, I’m afraid. I’m looking forward to finishing it today or tonight.
After that, I did some work on the computer, and then relaxed.
Today, I’ll eat, I’ll hopefully pick up some packages, and then we have our second rehearsal for Sunday’s Kritzerland show. Then I’ll relax.
Tomorrow I’ll work on the scripts for both musicals I’m directing, and then I’m hoping I can relax. I did have to have she of the Evil Eye come a day early, since our stumble-through is happening during the time she usually cleans and that’s just too distracting.
Saturday, we have our earlier than usual stumble-through, then I’ll relax until I have to go out to an event. I’m hoping I can be home by nine because I don’t like being out the night before a show. Sunday is our sound check and show, and I will, of course, have a complete report for you. Then the following week is all prep for beginning the musical I’m directing the following week. And planning the June Kritzerland.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, eat, hopefully pick up some packages, have a rehearsal, finish Feud and relax. Today’s topic of discussion: What are your favorite films of Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange? Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, whilst I hit the road to dreamland, happy that we’re almost fully cast for Dial ‘M’ for Murder.